Gallatin National Forest

Photo Essay: Hiking the Andes with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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BRIDGER FOOTHILLS NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL #534

Length: 20.8 miles (33.5 km)
Recommended season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Light
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Sedan and BOZEMAN PASS Quads.

TRAIL BEGINS , 4960' elev. (1523 m.)"M" Picnic Area at the south end of the Bridger Range.

TRAIL ENDS, 7600' elev. (2316 m.)Fairy Lake Campground.

ACCESS
From the Bozeman city limits, take Montana Highway 86 (Bridger Drive) for approximately 4 miles to the"M" Picnic Area. The picnic area is located across the highway from the Federal Fish Hatchery.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Bridger Foothills National Recreation Trail is a strenuous hike with many canyons to negotiate. The trail stays in the foothills and canyons, then rises at Saddle Peak. The route then follows the ridge to Sacajawea Peak. The trail is faint at times and can be difficult to locate. Several different exits exist enabling the hiker to choose a shorter trip if so desired. A shuttle will need to be arranged back to the "M" Picnic Area. NOTE: Motorized vehicles, except snowmobiles, are restricted to designated routes in the Fairy Lake area.

NARRATIVE
The Bridger Foothills National Recreation Trail begins at the "M" Picnic Area and heads due north, following a fence line at a 10 to 15 percent grade. The trail continues into Lyman Creek at a 15 to 20 percent grade then climbs out to the head of Sypes Canyon. There are some pitches of 20 to 30 percent in both Lyman and Sypes drainages.

From the head of Sypes Canyon, the trail climbs to a ridge at the end of the canyon with some 25 to 30 percent pitches. It continues on a rolling sidehill for approximately 3 miles down to Middle Cottonwood Creek. The trail follows Middle Cottonwood Creek for 2.5 miles then ascends the north side of the drainage at a 25 to 60 percent grade to an 8400 foot pass west of Saddle Peak. It descends 1.5 miles to the head of Bostwick Creek, crossing some avalanche paths. From Bostwick Creek, the trail contours over a small pass at 7,600 feet.

The trail drops into Truman Gulch and continues to contour at a 15 to 20 percent grade past Jones Creek. Leaving Jones Creek, the trail follows a sidehill for 3 miles to Ross Pass. It has frequent steep pitches and is difficult to follow before crossing Ross Pass. From Ross Pass, the trail contours northwest at a 20 to 25 percent grade for 2 miles. It climbs to 8,800 feet at Sacajawea and Hardscrabble Saddle at a 30 to 50 percent grade. Here, the trail is faint and crossed by avalanche paths. From the saddle, it is one mile down to Fairy Lake Campground and the end of the trail.

SACAJAWEA PEAK TRAIL #509 to #534

Length: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Recommended season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate to Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate to More Difficult
USGS Map(s): SEDAN Quad.

TRAIL BEGINS 7600' elev. (2316 m.)Fairy Lake Campground.

TRAIL ENDS , 9665' elev. (2946 m.)Sacajawea Peak.

ACCESS
From the Bozeman city limits, take Montana Highway 86 (Bridger Drive) for approximately 24 miles to Forest Road #74. Turn west and continue for 7 miles to Fairy Lake Campground. The trail begins at the campground.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Sacajawea Peak Trail is steep in places but is a short trail. The peak offers a good view of the Gallatin Valley. Hikers can continue on to Hardscrabble Peak (approximately 2 miles). There are other trails in the area as well. Fairy Lake Campground is located at the trailhead with adequate parking available. The road to Fairy Lake is rough and is not recommended for trailers or large campers.

NOTE: Motorized vehicles, except snowmobiles, are restricted to designated routes in the Fairy Lake area.

NARRATIVE
Sacajawea Peak Trail is approximately 2 miles long. The first mile of the trail rises at a 10 to 15 percent grade. Then, a snowfield is encountered with a 60 percent slope that must be traversed. The trail switchbacks numerous times for the next .3 miles at a 30 percent grade. The trail splits at the Sacajawea and Hardscrabble saddle, and rises at a 15 to 20 percent grade on the backside of Sacajawea for 3 miles. The trail has one more steep pitch of 30 percent grade. The trail on the back side is hard to follow at times. There is an excellent view of the Crazy Mountains, the Shields River valley, and the Bridger Range from most points along the trail. From Sacajawea, there is a good view of the Gallatin Valley.

FAIRY LAKE CAMPGROUND TO ROSS PEAK TRAILHEAD #500 to #534 to #525

Length: 10 miles ( 16 km)
Recommended season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Light
Difficulty: More Difficult
USGS Map(s): SEDAN Quad.

TRAIL BEGINS , 7600' elev. (2316 m.)At Fairy Lake Campground; Sacajawea trailhead.

TRAIL ENDS , 5800' elev. (1768 m.)Ross Peak Trailhead

ACCESS From the Bozeman city limits, take Montana Highway 86 (Bridger Drive) for approximately 24 miles to Forest Road #74. Turn west and continue for 7 miles to Fairy Lake Campground. The trail begins at the campground.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
This route can be an overnight trip or a long single day hike. A sufficient supply of water should be taken along. Water along the trail is not potable without treatment. Sections of the trail are faint. A contour map and compass are recommended for this hike. Vista points along the trail offer views of the Bridger Range, Gallatin Valley, and Shields Valley. A shuttle will need to be arranged back to Fairy Lake. Note: Motorized vehicles, except snowmobiles, are restricted to designated routes in the Fairy Lake area.

NARRATIVE
The Fairy Lake Campground to Ross Peak Picnic Area trail is approximately 10 miles long. The trail is seldom used so it is faint in places. It is well maintained from Fairy Lake Campground to the saddle between Hardscrabble and Sacajawea peaks. Heading south from the saddle towards Ross Peak, the trail will disappear for short distances. At Ross Pass, the trail is distinct and climbs to within 0.5 mile of Ross Peak.

HISTORY ROCK TRAIL #424

Length: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): FRIDLEY PEAK and BOZEMAN PASS Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 6450' elevation (1966 m)History Rock trailhead.

TRAIL ENDS: 7000' elevation (2133 m)History Rock.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, take 19th Street due south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Proceed south for 9.7 miles to the History Rock turnoff. The turnoff is on the west side of the road just 1 mile north of Hyalite Reservoir.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
History Rock Trail is good for day or leisure hiking. The 1.2 mile trail to History Rock rises 550 feet at a 10 percent grade. History Rock has dates and inscriptions placed upon it by early-day settlers.

NOTE: Motorized vehicles are permitted on the designated trail, but the south Cottonwood area is closed to all motorized vehicles except snowmobiles.

NARRATIVE
The History Rock Trail is an easy 1.2 miles to History Rock, a limestone outcropping with dates, initials, and inscriptions carved by early settlers and many more recent visitors. The trail rises 550 feet at a 10 percent grade and follows History Rock Creek through stands of Englemann spruce and lodgepole pine. It is a nice walk for the entire family.

MOUNT BLACKMORE LOOP TRAIL #424 to #422

Length: 14 miles. (22.5 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
USGS Map(s): FRIDLEY PEAK and GARNET MOUNTAIN Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 6450' elevation (1966 m)History Rock trailhead.

TRAIL BEGINS: 6450' elevation (1966 m)History Rock trailhead.

TRAIL ENDS: 6800' elevation (2073 m)Blackmore Lake trailhead.

ACCESS #l
From Bozeman, take 19th Street due south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Proceed south for 9.7 miles to the History Rock turnoff. The turnoff is on the west side of the road just l mile north of Hyalite Reservoir.

ACCESS #2
Proceed south past the History-Rock turnoff for .7 mile to the Blackmore Lake turnoff. It is on the west side of the road just .2 mile north of the reservoir. The trailhead is 1.5 miles up the Blackmore Lake Road. This road is not recommended for trailers.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
This trail is suitable for a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. Although fairly steep at times, most of the trail is moderately difficult hiking. The hiker has the choice of embarking from either trailhead. History Rock lies along the northern portion of trail #424 and has dates and inscriptions by early day settlers. Mount Blackmore offers a full view of the Hyalite Canyon area. Several stream beds are found along the trail but the water is not potable unless it is properly treated. It is 2.2 miles from Blackmore Lake trailhead to History Rock trailhead by road. You may wish to arrange a shuttle.

NOTE: Motorized vehicles are permitted on the designated trail but the south Cottonwood area is closed to all motorized vehicles except snowmobiles.

NARRATIVE
The Mount Blackmore Loop Trail begins at the History Rock trailhead. It passes by History Rock at 1.2 miles. The trail gradually descends from History Rock to Cottonwood Creek for 3 miles. Here, it joins trail #422 which follows Cottonwood Creek southeast for 6 miles to Mt. Blackmore. There are several switchbacks up the northern slope of Mt. Blackmore. At 10,154 feet, Mt. Blackmore offers a full view of Hyalite Canyon.

From Mt. Blackmore, the trail heads downhill, along Blackmore Creek, for 3 miles to Blackmore Lake. The trail descends for 1 mile from Blackmore Lake to the trailhead, which is located on Blackmore logging road. The Blackmore Lake trailhead is 1.5 miles south of Hyalite Canyon Road. It is 2.2 miles from the Blackmore Lake trailhead to the History Rock trailhead. You may wish to arrange a shuttle back to your car. Parking is limited along the Blackmore logging road, and the road is unsuitable for trailers.

PALISADE FALLS NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL

Length: 0.6 miles. (0.96 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): FRIDLEY PEAK Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 6900' elevation (2103 m)Palisade Falls parking area.

TRAIL ENDS: 7440' elevation (2268 m)Palisade Falls.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, take 19th Street due south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Head south for 10.5 miles to Hyalite Reservoir. Continue east around the reservoir for 2 miles to the East Fork Road and on to the Palisade Falls parking area. The parking area is 1 mile from the East Fork junction.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Palisade Falls National Recreation Trail is four to six feet wide and constructed to a standard that enables the visually handicapped to hike it with the aid of a sighted companion. There are 16 interpretive stations along the trail with metal Braille plates that describe trees, plants, and geologic features in the area. Signs are easily damaged. Please do not poke the signs with rocks, sticks, or other objects.

NOTE: The trail to Palisade Falls is closed to all motorized vehicles and stock.

NARRATIVE
The Palisade Falls National Recreation Trail is an easy trail to hike. It can be hiked by young and old, and has special features for the blind. A sighted guide is necessary for the visually handicapped. The trail has 16 interpretive stations in both Braille and English text. It winds through a mixed stand of lodgepole pine, Englemann spruce, Douglas fir, subalpine fir, and aspen.

Palisade Falls has a height of 98 feet, dropping down to form Palisade Creek. There is also an interesting geologic history in the falls area, which is interpreted at the site.

EAST FORK TRAIL #434

Length: 5 miles. (8 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): FRIDLEY PEAK Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 7040' elevation (2146 m)East Fork trailhead; 4.9 miles southeast of Hyalite Reservoir.

TRAIL ENDS: 9120' elevation (2780 m)Heather Lake.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, take 19th Street south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Proceed south for approximately 12.4 miles to the East and West Fork junction. Turn left on the East Fork Road and proceed to the trailhead, approximately, 2.3 miles.

NOTE: This is a logging road, single lane, with turnouts. Trailers are not recommended.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The East Fork Trail is moderate in difficulty. There are several interesting sites along the route including Horsetail Falls, Emerald Lake, and Heather Lake. Fishing is popular at both lakes.

NOTE: The East Fork Trail may be traveled by motorcycles but they are restricted to designated routes.

NARRATIVE
East Fork Trail can be a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. For the first 2 miles, the trail has a grade of 0 to 10 percent. After 2 miles, the trail rises abruptly to a pitch of 25 percent for a short distance. Then, the trail continues at a 10 to 15 percent grade for 1 mile with a couple of 20 percent pitches. At the 3 mile mark, 9 switchbacks are encountered which rise at a 0 to 20 percent grade. At mile 4, there are 3 switchbacks with a 10 to 15 percent grade. From the last switchback to Heather Lake, the trail again levels off to a 0 to 10 percent grade. There are a few boggy areas along the route. The lakes contain grayling, cutthroat, and some rainbow trout.

HYALITE PEAK TRAIL #427 Length: 7.2 miles. ( 11.6 km)

Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
USGS Map(s): FRIDLEY PEAK Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 7000' elevation (2123 m)Three miles south of Hyalite Reservoir in the designated parking area at the end of Hyalite Canyon Road #62.

TRAIL ENDS: 10,299' elevation (3139 m)Hyalite Peak.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, take 19th Street south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Proceed south for 14.5 mules to the Hyalite Peak trailhead. The trailhead is 4.3 miles south of Hyalite Dam on Forest Road #62.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Hyalite Peak Trail can be enjoyed by the novice as well as the experienced hiker. It offers a scenic view of the glaciated valley and surrounding peaks. Numerous waterfalls can be found in the area. Several trails branch off of the main trail for extended hiking. Snow can be expected along the trail until mid July.

NOTE: The Hyalite Peak Trail can be used by motorcycles but they are restricted to the designated route.

NARRATIVE
The Hyalite Peak Trail begins in a deep glaciated valley surrounded by high peaks and steep ridges. There are ten waterfalls along the route. The first 3.5 miles of trail rise 1200 feet with a 0 to 10 percent grade and some pitches of 20 percent. From the 3.5 mile mark to Hyalite Lake, there is a 10 to 20 percent grade and 12 switchbacks.

At Apex Falls, the trail is faint but remains on the left side of the creek. At this point, there is a branch trail to Apex Crest from Apex Falls. Snow can be expected on the northern slope just below Hyalite Lake until late in the season. The last 2 miles of trail may be covered by snow in the early season and can be boggy until late summer. The trail ascends Hyalite Peak on a 30 percent grade. From the peak, there is a magnificent view of surrounding mountain ranges.

HOOD CREEK TO BOZEMAN CREEK TRAIL #436

Length: 13 miles. ( 21 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): FRIDLEY PEAK, B0ZEMAN PASS, and BOZEMAN Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 6847' elevation (2087 m)Hood Creek Campground.

TRAIL ENDS: 5220' elevation (1591 m)Bozeman Creek parking area.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, take 19th Street south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Proceed south to Hyalite Reservoir then go 1.3 mile around the southeast side of the reservoir to the trailhead. The trailhead is on the northeast (left) side of the road, across from Hood Creek Campground.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
This trail is long enough to be considered for an overnight trip. Most of the trail follows an abandoned logging road. The hiker has the option of following Forest Road #979 down Bozeman Creek, or hiking to Mystic Lake then following trail #436 to the parking area. Hikers will need to arrange a shuttle back to their vehicle at Hood Creek Campground.

NOTE: The Bozeman Creek drainage is restricted to foot or horse travel. Bozeman Creek is closed to motorized vehicles except for administrative traffic from the city of Bozeman or Forest Service.

NARRATIVE
The Hood Creek to Bozeman Creek Trail can be an overnight or extended hiking trip. The trail initially crosses clear-cut terrain, which may make trail location difficult. It is 4.5 miles from the trailhead at Hood Creek to the junction at Bozeman Creek Road #979. From here the hiker may follow the road for 8.5 miles to the Bozeman Creek parking area. The road has an easy downhill grade with numerous switchbacks.

The hiker may wish to continue on to Mystic Lake after reaching Bozeman Creek Road. It is 6 miles from the Hood Creek trailhead to Mystic Lake. Trail #436 begins at the west end of Mystic Dam and joins the Bozeman Creek Road after 2.5 miles, then continues along the road for the 5.5 miles to the parking area at Bozeman Creek. This route is 14 miles.

BOZEMAN CREEK TO BEAR LAKES TRAIL #436

Length: 12 miles. (19.3 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): BOZEMAN PASS and BOZEMAN Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 5220' elevation (1591 m)Bozeman Creek parking area.

TRAIL ENDS: 6880' elevation (2097 m)Bear Lakes.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, follow .South 3rd Street south for 4 miles to Nash Road. Go east on Nash Road for 1 mile to Bozeman Creek Road. The parking area is 1 mile south on Bozeman Creek Road.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Trail #436 to Mystic Lake and on to Bear Lakes can offer an enjoyable 2 to 3 day hike of moderate difficulty. Both lakes contain small to medium-sized trout. Wildlife can be seen at times in this area.

NOTE: The Bozeman Creek drainage is restricted to foot or horse travel. Motorized vehicles are not permitted.

NARRATIVE
Trail #436 to Mystic Lake and on to Bear Lakes can be an overnight or extended hiking trip. Wildflowers are plentiful along the trail when in season and wildlife can also be observed in this area. The trail may be difficult to follow where it passes through open logged areas.

The trail follows Bozeman Creek for 5.5 miles to a bridge. Here, it joins trail #436 which continues south for 2.5 miles to Mystic Lake. It is 4 miles from Mystic Lake to Rear Lakes.

The hiker may elect to follow Bozeman Creek Road #979 to Mystic Lake instead of hiking trail #436. It is 10 miles to Mystic Lake via the road. The road route is 2 miles longer than the trail, but has an easier grade.

Trail #44, from Bear Lakes down to Bear Canyon, may be used instead of backtracking out via Bozeman Creek. It is approximately 7 miles from Bear Lakes to the parking area at New World Gulch. If you elect to take this alternative, a shuttle will need to be arranged to get back to your vehicle at Bozeman Creek (approximately 16 miles).

WORLD GULCH TO MYSTIC LAKE TRAIL

Length: 5. 3 miles. (8.5 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
USGS Map(s): BOZEMAN PASS Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 5440' elevation (1658 m)New World Gulch parking area.

TRAIL ENDS: 6480' elevation (1975 m)Mystic Lake Ranger Station.

ACCESS
From the Bozeman city limits, go east on Interstate 90 for 4.5 miles to the Bear Canyon exit. Then, head west for .5 mile to Bear Canyon Road. Follow Bear Canyon Road south for 3.5 miles to New World Gulch parking area. The trail begins on the west side of the road.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The New World Gulch to Mystic Lake Trail can be hiked in one day or in two with an overnight stay at Mystic Lake. Mystic Lake offers good fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

NOTE: Motorized vehicles are not permitted into the Bozeman Creek drainage area. Boating and swimming are not permitted in Mystic Lake.

NARRATIVE
The New World Gulch to Mystic Lake Trail is a moderate 5.3 mile hike. The first 2 miles are very rolling and follow the creek bed closely. At times, the rocky creek bed becomes the trail but with large rocks to step on the water poses minimum hazards. At 2 miles, the trail breaks away from the creek and meanders through open meadows then climbs slightly through lodgepole and spruce stands to the fenced and well-marked divide between New World Gulch and the Bozeman Creek drainage. Motorized vehicles are not permitted into the Bozeman Creek drainage area.

From the divide, the trail is marked with orange tree blazes. Continuing on an easy downhill grade to the north end of the lake, the trail crosses the three small creeks contributing to Mystic Lake then climbs the sidehill above the eastern shore of the lake into a clear-cut area. The trail heads west on an old logging road paralleling Mystic Lake to the unoccupied Forest Service Station on the southeast end of the lake. There are dispersed campsites within .25 miles of the cabin.

Forest Road #979 heads south from Mystic Lake along Bozeman Creek to the Bozeman Creek parking area. It is a 10 mile hike via this route.

Trail #436 begins at the west end of Mystic Dam and joins the Bozeman Greek Road #979 after 2.5 miles, then continues along the road for the 5.5 miles to the parking area at Bozeman Creek. This trail is two miles shorter than the road route. If hikers elect to go down Bozeman Creek, they will need a shuttle back to their car at New World Gulch.

GALLATIN DIVIDE TRAIL (NORTH) #427 to #96

Length: 23 miles. ( 37 km) North Half
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
USGS Map(s) : FRIDLEY PEAK and GARNET MOUNTAIN Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 7000' elevation (2133 m)Hyalite Peak trailhead; at the end of Hyalite Canyon Road #62.

TRAIL ENDS: 9260' elevation (2822 m) Windy Pass. Exit via Windy Pass Trail #82 or continue on the South Half of the Gallatin Divide Trail.

ACCESS
From Bozeman, take 19th Street due south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road #62. Proceed south for 14.5 miles to the Hyalite Peak trailhead at the end of Hyalite Canyon Road #62, The trailhead is located 4.3 miles from the east end of Hyalite Dam.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
After ascending Hyalite Peak, the Gallatin Divide Trail rarely drops below 9000 feet. The trail is not overly strenuous but length is an important factor. The hiker should allow 5 days to hike the entire trail or 3 days for just the north half. Trail markers along the route are infrequent and scattered but the trail follows the ridge. With the aid of a topographic map, it is not difficult to locate. Because the trail follows an open ridge, the hiker is exposed to the elements, and should plan accordingly. The Gallatin Divide Trail continues for another 20 miles beyond Windy Pass. For further information, see Gallatin Divide Trail (South Half) .

NOTE: Motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes.

NARRATIVE
The north half of the Gallatin Divide Trail begins at the end of Hyalite Canyon Road #62. It is a 7.3 mile hike to Hyalite Peak. The first 3.5 miles rise 1200 feet at a 0 to 10 percent grade. From there to Hyalite Peak, the trail rises 2300 feet in 3.8 miles with several switchbacks and some pitches above 30 percent. From Hyalite Peak, the trail descends on the south side on 20 to 30 percent slope.

The next 2.9 miles to Grater Lake rise and fall from 10 to 20 percent. At Crater lake, the trail drops down and across a canyon, rising on the far side at a 20 to 30 percent grade. A spring is located west of Crater Lake and is shown on topographic maps. However, all backcountry water must be properly treated before drinking.

At Cliff Creek, the trail splits. The east trail drops to 8800 feet then rises to 10,054 feet. The west trail contours the ridge and drops to 9360 feet then rises to 10,054 feet. Both trails cross a large rock side at a 20 to 30 percent slope from 9500 feet to a 10,054 unnamed peak. From this peak, the trail follows a 0 to 10 percent grade for half a mile then drops down a 15 to 20 percent slope.

At Moose Peak, the trail splits once again. The east trail drops to 9400 feet then rises back to 9700 feet. The west trail contours around the ridge at the 9800 foot level. The east trail is vague and difficult to follow. When the trail joins, it continues to follow the ridge for the next 2 miles at a 0 to 15 percent grade to Sentinel Peak.

The next 3.5 miles to Windy Pass cover an open flat ridge with gentle grades of 0 to 10 percent. Exit via Windy Pass Trail #82 or continue on the Gallatin Divide Trail #96 (.South Half).

STORM CASTLE LOOP TRAIL #92 to #88

Length: 6 miles. (9.7 km)
Recommended Season: Summer thru Fall
Use: Light
Difficulty: More Difficult
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 5390' elevation (1622 m)At the base of Storm Castle Rock; 1.5 miles southeast of Squaw Creek Ranger Station on Forest Road #132.

TRAIL ENDS: 5736' elevation (1748 m)At Lime Creek logging road, and follows this road for 1 mile back down to Squaw Creek Road #132.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 25 miles to .Squaw Creek Ranger Station. Follow Squaw Creek Road #132 for 1.5 miles to the base of Storm Castle Rock, on the north side of the road.

ACCESS #2
From Squaw Creek Ranger Station, drive up Forest Road #132 for 4.2 miles to the Lime Creek logging road. The trail begins 1 mile up the logging road just before the first switchback.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
This trail leads to Storm Castle Rock which offers an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. It crosses stands of juniper, limestone formations, lodgepole pine, and spruce trees. Livestock graze the area which may create some confusing trail crossings. Watch for trail blazes. Access #1, starting at Storm Castle and ending at Lime Creek, provides a better view of the area. From Lime Creek back to Storm Castle is 3.7 miles. You may wish to arrange a shuttle back to your vehicle.

NOTE: All motorized vehicles over 40" in width are restricted to designated routes in this area.

NARRATIVE
The trail leading to Storm Castle has six large switchbacks with a 15 to 20 percent grade. The trail is narrow at times, has some slight washes, and has loose talus on the trail creating slippery footing. The trail leaving Storm Castle is faint. Keep to the west side of the ridge and proceed through a logged area into a large open meadow.

From the meadow, the trail follows Shenango Creek and Purdy Creek Saddle for approximately .2 mile into Purdy Creek drainage. The trail contours the northeast side of the drainage at a 0 to10 percent grade. Livestock graze the area creating a confusing arrangement of trails. Watch for blazes and use a map and compass.

The trail ascends Purdy Creek and Lime Creek Saddle at approximately a 10 to 15 percent grade. At Lime Creek logging road, the trail ascends a 25 to 30 percent grade after crossing a livestock fence. The trail enters Lime Creek logging road approximately 1 mile from Squaw Creek Road #132.